2015 NFL Mock Draft: With The Twenty-Fourth Pick, The Arizona Cardinals Select...

While they haven't made much noise in playoffs yet, the Arizona Cardinals have quietly turned in double-digit win seasons since Bruce Arians was hired. Let's see how bt20 envisions them continuing to improve in 2015.

With the 24th pick in the 2015 BRB Mock Draft, the Arizona Cardinals select Eli Harold (DE/OLB--Virginia).

Stop me if you’ve heard this before. An up and coming team thought to have all the parts to contend for a Superb Owl. Their roster is complete, with great (or at least adequate) coaching. They’re a real contender. The only thing standing in their way is a seemingly unbeatable division rival.

Just like the Texans, the Cardinals have a problem with their pass rush. Near the bottom of the first, I’m taking a shot on Eli Harold out of Virginia. Harold is explosive and lanky. He’s got athleticism to spare. His technique shows up on occasion, but will definitely need refining. A lot of his big plays just come from outrunning, running by, or running around offensive linemen. That said, the guy does hustle and never stops going after it, which works well for someone with athleticism like that.

Some knocks on him are that he comes in completely shredded, so he may not be able to add much more weight. As I said before, Harold may rely on his athleticism too much to be immediately effective at the next level as stronger guards and tackles will make him run around the play and take himself out of it, instead of just trying to bat the pass. His coverage skills are there, but they need work too.

If Harold was a perfect prospect, he’d have been off the board sooner. With all the sure bets gone, I think Harold is a good gamble for the Cardinals to take. Duke Johnson or another talented back can be taken in the 2nd with Todd Gurley and Melvin Gordon off the board already. At No. 24, Eli Harold is one of the best pass rushing talents left, with great upside if he’s developed properly.

Some may say this is too early for Harold, but pass rushers are at a premium. If you think Harold can be a force off the edge, late in the first round is good value. What say you?

The Carolina Panthers and TexanStro are now on the clock. Since this post went up a bit late, we'll give him until 1 p.m. CDT to turn in his pick.

Recapping the first round of the 2015 BRB Mock Draft so far...

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